The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned against the spread of fake news and misinformation during the Edo State governorship election, scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, issued the warning during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday. Olumekun, represented by the Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Mary Nkem, emphasized the critical role the media plays in ensuring the integrity of the upcoming election.
“In this digital age, we are acutely aware of the dangers posed by fake and misleading news, especially during an election period,” Olumekun said. “Such information has the potential to disrupt the electoral process, undermine public confidence, and incite unnecessary tensions.”
To counter the spread of false information, INEC has committed to maintaining transparency and providing timely updates. The commission has made available various channels for voters and the media to verify any election-related news directly with INEC.
“The commission has taken proactive steps to combat this menace, part of which is to be open and transparent in all its dealings,” Olumekun stated. “We have made it a culture to constantly update the public through you after every commission’s meeting when decisions are taken. We will intensify the information flow as we move closer to the Edo governorship election. Measures have been put in place to minimise circulation of false information.”
INEC has completed key preparations for the election, including installing Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines and printing triplicate copies of the voters’ register for all 4,519 polling units in the state. The commission has also been working closely with security agencies and local stakeholders to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Olumekun urged the public and the media to play their parts in preventing the spread of fake news. “We believe that you will remain a bulwark against fake and misleading information about the commission and the electoral process,” he said. “We urge the public and the media to verify any information related to the election directly with the commission before sharing. Our doors are open for any inquiries, and we have established multiple channels through which the public can reach us for accurate information.”
